Theatre Review: A Jew Grows In Brooklyn-What's Not To Love?

The smash hit, a hilarious and heart warming one man show, A Jews Grows in Brooklyn, comes straight from Broadway. This comedy musical, an uplifting story with universal appeal, deals with Jake's search for identity and meaning.

Jake Ehrenreich’s memories of his life growing up in Brooklyn, son of Holocaust survivors, covers the 55 years from childhood, bar mitzvah, adolescence, time in the Catskills, and his marriage and rebirth. A multi-talented dazzling performer, Jake not only acts, but he sings and plays several instruments, as well.

Attempting to distance himself from his roots, wanting to be an All -American kid, Jake sought out drugs and music before becoming a real entertainer and returning to his cultural heritage.

Theatre Review: A Jew Grows In Brooklyn: Jake in his rock phase photo by Michale Filonow

Classic rock songs as California Dreamin', Secret Agent Man, Sunshine of Your Life and Sing, Sing, Sing filled the air as Jake came on the stage set to resemble the front stoop of his old home in Brooklyn. The story , told through music, comedy, pictures and story, is identifiable to all.

The filled audience at the American Jewish University, 15600 Mullholland Dr, Los Angeles, Ca 90027, couldn't stop laughing and cheering. Weaving philosophy into his personal history, his fresh style has earned raves from critics and audiences around the world. "Existence," he learned, " was "tenous" and "the world could end at any moment."

The show has well earned it's globally acknowledged rave reviews.

Theatre Review: A Jew Grows In Brooklyn: In the Catskills : photo by David Kane

A live band accompanied Jake. On the keyboard was Larry Cohen; guitar/bass/accoustic was Jonathan Hurley and Christopher Allis and Albe Bonacci played drums. All four participated in the vocals. Costume design was by Lisa Ehrenreich while Jeffrey C. Stevenson was the stage manager.

Thus far, Mr. Ehrenreich has given over 2,000 performances of the show. Touring performances will be in Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, Sarasota, Palm Springs and then back to Broadway.

There are only 16 performances from Tuesday, February 7 to- Saturday, February. 25, 2012 - Monday-Thursday and Saturdays at 8 pm, with Sunday performances on February 19th at 2 pm and 5 pm. The theatre will be dark on February 10, 12, 17 and 24th.

Partnering with the Jewish National Fund, patrons can have a tree planted in their honor just by using the code JNF to buy their tickets. The JNF has evolved into a global environmental leader helping to reclaim land lost to the desert and educating students about Israel and the environment.

The extraordinary success of the play has led to a full length book version, which is now published by Health Communications, Inc.

As an actor, on his own, Jake has appeared in numerous Broadway and off-Broadway productions and toured with Beatlemania in the role of Ringo Starr.